Originally written by Stephanie Groves on Jul. 15, 2020.
Whether you’re looking to order gorgeously decorated cookies, perfectly tart key lime pies, or gluten-free bread that actually tastes delicious—or you just want to scroll some Instagram accounts for drool-worthy pastry pics—these talented women are making Indianapolis a tastier place to be.
HAYLEY MCGINLEY, OWNER OF NATIVE BREAD
NATIVEBREAD.COM, @NATIVEBREAD
“I birthed Native Bread in 2016 after learning I had a gluten sensitivity. I couldn’t imagine giving up crusty, rustic, artisan bread—and I didn’t want anyone else to have to, either! At that time, Indianapolis did not have an artisan, gluten-free bakery—so I decided to start one myself. Now, going on eight years later, we’re operating out of our very own allergen-free production kitchen, our storefront is open three days a week, we’re supplying our bread and pastries to restaurants and grocery stores throughout central Indiana, and we ship nationwide! We’ve also expanded our offerings beyond bread to include pastries and cookies. It is my greatest honor to bring nutritious, allergen-free baked delights back into people’s lives.”
MARSHA QUARLES AND MICHELLE AVANT, CO-OWNERS OF MARSHA’S SPECIALTY DESSERTS & TIERNEY’S CATERING
MARSHASSPECIALTYDESSERTS.COM, @MARSHASDESSERTS
“Marsha’s Specialty Desserts & Tierney’s Catering is a small family-owned business located in Avon with a huge love for providing delicious sweet and savory foods. Everything is freshly prepared and customized for your special occasions. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your catering needs…from plated meals for weddings, box lunches for orientations, tiered cakes for birthday parties, gender reveals for baby showers, assorted dessert bars for anniversaries, and more. Your life celebrations are our specialty!”
FELICIA BROWN, OWNER OF TREATS BY FEE
@TREATS_BYFEE
“I started my business to balance out my budget due to student loan payments. Through the process and with support, it has taken on a life of its own. Not everyone can say that they get to do what they enjoy on a daily basis, but I can. This year, I am catering more toward weddings and events. ”
ALYSSA HINES, OWNER OF SUCARCOATED AVENUE
@SUGARCOATEDAVENUE
Sugarcoated Avenue is a bit of everything sweet. The small at-home bakery business serves specialty cupcakes, custom cakes, and other sweet treats to Indianapolis and surrounding cities. All orders are baked, sealed, and delivered by the owner and creator, Alyssa. This sweet gig started in high school as a classroom joke that transpired into a lifetime dream. “Sugarcoated Ave has so much gratitude for our customers as we get to celebrate the happy moments, bring a sense of comfort in the hard times, or just simply satisfy a sweet tooth through the craft. The faith, trust and grace they give me is unmatched. Sugarcoated Avenue is excited to keep growing and eventually serve on a larger scale,” she said.
JORDAN JUSTICE, OWNER OF JAJUSTICEBAKES
@JAJUSTICEBAKES
“Over the years, JaJustice Bakes has taken on many forms, and right now, that means offering wholesale and individual special orders. I make cakes, cookies, pies, etc, but I’m always happy to branch out and try something new! The Indy community has kept me nice and busy and I’m grateful to do something I love on the daily.”
Clarissa Morley, OWNER OF Pots & Pans Pie Co.
@POTSANDPANSINDY
“I have always loved baking, but as a business owner, I really enjoy having the opportunity to strategize, plan, and grow as a team.”
JASLYNN GHOLSON, OWNER OF JAZZY BAKES
@JASLYNNG93
“I have come so far not only with Jazzy Bakes but as a person. You may see me and think, wow, she’s 30 and has no children, but my business is my baby. I take care of it so I can watch it grow; I studied for it so I could be the best I could be for it. When I wasn’t where I needed to be in life, I put my business out of harm’s way so my destruction wouldn’t be its destruction. This is my baby, and it has been for the past 12 years. Just like you put love into your children, I put my love into the desserts you ordered for their birthday party. I treat my clients like family, so if you’re already a client, you know you are admired and appreciated. If you’re considering being a future client, welcome to the family.”
Emma Quasny is the Editorial Coordinator at Indy Maven and has a major sweet tooth.
